Prayer: Approaching the Throne of God

I wanted to know how God spoke to me. But instead, I learned how to speak to him. When we talk about Joseph Smith’s First Vision, we often marvel at how young Joseph was when God and Jesus Christ appeared to him. On one hand, I do think it’s incredible… Continue reading

Joseph Smith’s Patriarchal Blessing

The patriarchal blessing that Joseph Smith received from his father helps us understand that no matter who you are or what you’re called to do, your most important title will always be “child of God.” Joseph Smith Jr. was a prophet, seer, and revelator; a religious and political leader; and… Continue reading

What Should I Do?

You probably know how important it is to do God’s will, but how can you really be sure that you are making the right decisions?  President Thomas S. Monson has said, “Your decisions determine your destiny.” But how can you know you are making the decisions that will lead you… Continue reading

Before the Doctrine and Covenants

glasses on scriptures

The “Revelation Books” preceded what we now know as the Doctrine and Covenants. Thanks to these books, the path for publishing modern revelation was open.   As the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith was given power by God to translate the golden plates… Continue reading

How Is a New Apostle Called?

When a vacancy opens in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the process of choosing a new apostle is guided by heavenly inspiration. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized in the same way that Jesus Christ organized… Continue reading

Receiving Small, Subtle Revelations Doesn’t Mean You Have a Small Testimony

Have you ever doubted the strength of your testimony? If so, it’s time to analyze that doubt. Your testimony is stronger than you think, and your perspective on revelation might change the way you look at it. Have you ever wished your testimony was stronger? Does it seem to be… Continue reading

Reason and Revelation: Friends, Not Enemies

bottom half of man by water edge

Reason and revelation don’t necessarily conflict in Latter-day Saint doctrine. Alan Hurst, Utah Supreme Court clerk and religious freedom advocate, presents a new perspective on the conflict that some feel between reason and revelation. This tension stems from the parents of traditional Christian thought: Jewish doctrine and Greek philosophy. Jewish… Continue reading

General Conference Roundup: April 2019

“May [Heavenly Father] bless us to strive with patience and persistence toward the ideals we have heard proclaimed this conference weekend.” —Elder Jeffrey R. Holland The 189th Annual General Conference has come to an end. But that doesn’t mean the learning and loving that happens during this sacred weekend has… Continue reading

Strength in Spiritual Sensitivity: What to Do When You Feel Spiritually Numb

Close-up of old-style lightbulbs in a warehouse

There may be times in our lives when we become numb to feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost. Here are three questions to ask when we feel far away from Heavenly Father. Demands for our attention are everywhere; schoolwork, friends, social media, jobs, family, and more all compete for… Continue reading

Was That the Spirit?

Twelve scrabble game squares that spell out, "If not now, when."

We often wonder how to distinguish between the Spirit and our own thoughts. By acting on our first impressions, we can know that God is, in fact, communicating with us. “Get her ice cream tomorrow,” I thought when I saw a girl in my ward sitting alone during church. “What?… Continue reading